PROVE ME WRONG! 3" vs 2.5" vs 2" Hitch Receiver!

[@robertharman4938]

Only use adapters if absolutely necessary. If you spend the 60k plus for a modern truck. Spend the money to get the proper size shank

[@zapityzapzap]

2.5" receivers didn't become a factory option on 3/4 ton and 1 ton trucks until around 2012. Prior to that they were 2" receivers if you had the factory tow package. That being said, solid shank 2" shanks can easily handle 20,000+ lb and are often rated from it. The push to larger receivers allowed for manufacturers to cheapen out on the receiver materials versus beefing up the wall thickness on 2" receivers.

[@hotflashfoto]

Folks claiming to have a 3" receiver but who actually have a 2-1/2" receiver might be measuring across the OD, not the ID. The receiver size is determined by the ID.

[@Adiscretefirm]

My Highlander has a 12 inch receiver, oh wait that's the license plate holder

[@christophermcmichael880]

I have a 2024 f350 SRW and it has a 2 1/2 " receiver. I had asked a ford dealer what was the actual carrying capacity ( undestributed) and carrying capacity (distributed) , as well as maximum tow capacity ( distributed) and (undistributed) I couldn't find anything on it. They told me that the carrying capacity undestributed and distributed was the same 2,500 lbs. With a max towing capacity 25,000 lbs in either configuration. My truck wouldn't be able to tow anything that heavy do to the way it's configured. Max tow capacity for my truck is 17,800, 10% of that 1,780 lbs of carrying weight. At least I found out that my 2 1/2" receiver is over redundant for my trucks towing capability. My receiver never came with a 2 1/2 to 2 inch reducer sleeve and the truck was purchased new.

[@themidwestdad9589]

Bought a used 2018 F250 Limited. Didn't realize it had the 3inch receiver until I towed for the first time. Immediately purchased the 3inch weigh safe hitch with all the adapter balls. Never looked back lol Love this truck!

[@dalemarshall9736]

Totally agree. My son has a 2021 F250 Super Duty with 2 1/2" receiver and pulls a 15,000 bumper pull dump trailer with a Weigh Safe hitch. I have 2 hitches with 2 1/2" shanks for my 2019 F250 Super Duty and really appreciate how rugged they are.

[@foleylaplume]

I recently purchased a 2022 F350 SD Dually that has a 3" receiver. I also have the 4.10 gearing in the rear end. I like that reducer with the magnets and I'm going to look into purchasing one. Thanks for the receiver information.

[@youcanthide004]

Thank you. / i’m a Ford owner but unfortunately there’s a lot of Ford owners that are going to get butt hurt over this lol 3 inch receiver is not necessary.

[@drudixsyn3030]

I have a 2016 Nissan XD and yes it is a 2.5". That truck was sold as a 1/2 ton and has a payload/tow capacity of a 1/2 ton but because its GVW (8800lbs for my 2wd) is in the 3/4 ton range according to DOT, it is classified as a 2b truck. But again, insurance wise, it is a 1/2 ton. I do tow a 7700lb gvw trailer and it does that with no problem but I wouldn't go higher.

[@BrianJones-vr9lc]

I have a 2018 Pro 4X4 tow 9000 lb it came with 2".

[@thinkfirst6431]

I have a 2006 Ford F250 10K GVWR. My solution to the hitch wars when pulling a 14K enclosed trailer is different than receiver hitch size mess. I purchased a Curt 17K rated 2500 tongue load rated hitch from etrailer with the 2" receiver size. If you need a 2" shank they are everywhere. That hitch combined with a Curt forged shank and a 30K rated 2 5/16" ball provides me with all of the capacity that my truck can handle. Cost more but worth it in the long run. If something breaks no one can say I was using undersized equipment. That combination along with the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 air bag springs to level the load and truck helps to insure that I and the load get from point a to b without problems assuming I do my part balancing the trailer tongue load to 10-15% of the gross trailer weight. For bumper pull trailers I use a Sherline trailer tongue weight scale to check and adjust the balance of the tongue weight. They used to be cheaper. For the gooseneck trailers I use a Weight Safe ball to measure the weight being transferred to the bed of the truck. I do not tow with it as the stupid thing is too expensive, even with the discount I received, to risk tearing the thing up.

[@angelolamantia]

You left out the 1 1/4” receiver, pulled my pop-up camper in the 80’s great! I still have the shank for it for some stupid reason.

[@hawikau1654]

He did mention that he will not cover them.

[@mr7badass]

My 1975 chevy luv has a 3.5" stock receiver.

[@harveymelcher5839]

Yeah right,,, 🙄

[@bradmiller6507]

That’s probably because that’s what’s needed to match to it’s 60,000 pound towing capacity.

[@mr7badass]

@bradmiller6507 exactly right except that it has a 70,000lb capacity..

[@noneya61]

@@mr7badass and I’m betting you got the upgraded 8500# payload to go with that… no way you couldn’t have.

[@mr7badass]

@noneya61 yes! And it has the quad cab dually option as well.

[@texillini1]

Wishing you the best of luck on the new collaboration sales with the hitch.

[@EverythingRVbyPat]

Dang it... All of us Dodge guys have only 2" of girth on the shank. If 2" isn't enough for your receiver then you don't deserve my shank without a cover. Once you go Ford 450 you don't go back... Is that a saying? LOL!!! Pat

[@jonnorton8105]

My F-250 Tremor came with a 3" receiver. I got the 3" aluminum weigh safe. Truck is a 2022, I ordered it from the factory and that was what it came with.

[@joshdavis7038]

I built/welded up my own 3" to 2" adapter for my truck out of 1/2" steel because I got tired of trying to deal with 2 adapters to get down to 2".

[@billloveday3964]

I built a 3” for my 1973 1/2 454/tb400, and my own hitch, for pulling boats and campers. Overkill but, plus a one inch pin.

[@D3thM3tal]

Interesting, max tow CCSB F350 6.7 and it has the 2.5" hitch. I checked every single box on my order besides the rear inflatable seat belts - must be the gearing choice?

[@Itsa_Mea]

@@D3thM3tal it's the gearing. Which means you also don't have Maxtow.

[@mikemccabe7124]

i have an aftermarket hitch my shop used to install for the local chevy and ford dealerships and I'd never keep a stock gm hitch that came on 2011-2015 with class 3 they are lighter than they should be i use only a few brands & install a minimum of a class 4 hitch which gives me the option to get 2.5" reciever vs the 2".. also I've installed 3" class 5s on some 1 ton chevys and dodges but they were aftermarket which is why dealerships used me for ther hd towing customers cuz i also did gooseneck and 5th wheels for them also along with tool boxes and auxiliary fuel tanks etc but ya factory ford has been the 3" king vs the other brands

[@JT-1969]

Hi JD, I own a 2007 F250, it came stock from the factory with a 2 inch receiver. I’m 100% sure of this because three months ago I had to replace it due to rust, I measured it so I would order the same size on my new one. When did Ford switch to a 2.5 inch receiver on 3/4 ton trucks? Always good useful information in your videos! 🇺🇸

[@Matthew-f5b]

I have had a 2009 f250 and a 2016 f250. Both had 2” receivers. I believe they went to the 2 1/2 or 3” in 2017 when they went to the aluminum body and redesigned the frame.

[@plem7210]

@@Matthew-f5b yes my 2018 srw has the 2.5. I would guess when they started to really increase the bumper pull tow ratings. Mine is rated for 15000 lbs. they went to the 2.5. So you could get a solid plug in hitch rated for a ways over over 15000. I think the only trucks that normally come with the 3 inch. Is the diesel engine ones.

[@michaeljohnson2556]

​@@plem7210I had a 2012 F250 diesel with 2.5" receiver

[@mikeprestanski5035]

I had a Ram 2500 with the sleeve for the 2 1/2 inch receiver. The holes got elongated over the 7 years I had the truck from the motion of the sleeve.

[@oakleyfreak45]

My 16 f250 has a 2" receiver. Never really thought this was such a big deal. My trucks tow rating is above my i normally tow.

[@jimf1450]

24 Ram 3500 2-1/2" receiver, owner's manual says max hitch towing is 23,000 lbs. B&W fan & my Tow & Stow is 18,000 lbs, I have a Curt adjustable gold ball rated @ 20,000 lbs. I doubt there's any bumper pull campers @ that weight but I'm sure equipment with a pintle can be.

[@Natsumidragneelkim]

The only way you're going to get a 3-inch on any other vehicle is buying a aftermarket and even then it is very rare to find one

[@acdii]

100% correct, only two Superduty come with the 3" receiver. F450 Pickup, all of them, and F350 DRW with 4.10 gearing. All the rest are 2 1/2". I just got rid of my 450 with 3" got a 24 DRW F350 and went to look and sure enough 2 1/2" because it is 3.55 geared.

[@yours8601]

That's not correct, my f250 has 3" receiver

[@jeffs2809]

2022 F350 SRW 3.73 gears cab & chassis with diesel: 3” receiver.

[@stevenallen4123]

2500hd is also 410 gears and has 2 1/2 receivers

[@frankandrews9378]

2021 F350 SRW crew cab, long bed, 3.55 gearing, Power Stroke... 3" receiver.

[@timc7175]

‘21 DRW F350 3.55 with 3” receiver

[@spikestubbs210]

When will the 3-inch to 2.5-inch branded reducer be available? Will it come with a 3 to 2 inch also at some point?

[@danshobbies13]

Yes you are correct. My Ram 2500 has 2.5”

[@shutupstoopid4518]

I bought the curt bundle that reduces 3 to 2.5 to 2 because I was told my 21 f350 had a 3 hitch turns out I only needed the 2.5 to 2 piece of it the bigger tube is sitting on my workbench

[@JustinKingOffroad]

my 2019 F250 has the high capacity trailer tow package and has a legit 3 inch receiver. funny thing is the hitch has such a high capacity rating that it exceeds the door sticker's cargo carrying capacity. So i'm not sure if my truck was optioned with high cap trailer tow and a reduced GVWR, or if it was not badged correctly and is really the 11,400 GVWR. either way it's weird.

[@OreoandRamen]

I had a 2017 Ram 2500 with a Cummins. It had the 6’4” bed. But it had a 3 inch shank because I had to get a reducer so my 2 1/2 inch hitch would work with my Jayco. Also that truck came with a 2 1/2 inch reducer from Ram.

[@BTBRVReviews]

Somebody must have added it aftermarket. RAM never offered a 3" receiver.

[@95dodgev10]

Yea my 2014 has a 2.5". I believe 2014 mostly falls into the same year batch as the 2017.

[@steveduke3769]

Bought my ram 3500 dually new from the dealer and it has the 3" reciever with the reducer to 2.5" 🤷‍♂️

[@timc7175]

Some people claim the use of the (bushing) adapters lowers towing capacity. I don’t follow that train of thought. What say you?

[@BTBRVReviews]

Doesn't lower the towing capacity, but the theory often is that the shank has a reduced towing capacity, which is sometimes the case but in many cases it's not

[@OUSWKR]

Does your friends at Etrailer carry a 3 inch hitch for GM and Ram? I’m just curious if some of these commenters upgraded from an OEM Hitch?

[@Camperfanatic01]

I upgrade to the 2.5” shank from equalizer for my hitch… didn’t like the slop with the adapter.

[@KI4HOK]

Read your manual for your truck and hitch gear. Reese forbids using weight distribution with a reducer sleeve.

[@myriadcorp]

I have the Curt hitch reducer for my bike rack for my Super Duty.

[@mikemccabe7124]

not for nothing a class 3 that comes on most halfton trucks are rated for 5500-6500lbs so if you get a trailer weighted above that its cheap to upgrade to a class 4 hitch rated for 10k+.. I've seen so many hitches that gave way while people where in tow and it costs way more to fix everything after that, spend the $200-$300 and save urself from having to pay way more later.. ask the hitch place to let you compare the 2 hitches and you'll see and feel the difference in weight and thickness of the walls

[@kyleuptergrove4040]

JD you are going to upset the GM boys and Ram fans. My 2022 Ford F250 Lariat Tremor 7.3 Godzilla 4.30 gearing has a 2.5" receiver. I currently use the 2.5 to 2 curt reducer that you show in your video. but I will be picking up the magentic one from Etrailer. Currently tow a 2022 Forest River Greywolf 27RR Travel Trailer with EAZ-Lift WDH 2" hitch.. I will be upgrading to a 5th wheel next year. This veteran marine appreciates all your videos JD!

[@kendallbennett7451]

My GMC 3500HD SRW definitely had a 3” receiver in it while my F350 SRW does not. I know because none of the 2.5” shanks I had for my F250 fit in it and it kinda pissed me off lol. My GMC 2500HD I had was 2.5” for sure.

[@BTBRVReviews]

It only had a 3" receiver if someone installed it aftermarket, which is rare because aftermarket 3" receivers were rare

[@CA-fn1wg]

Still like the spring loaded wagon hitchs like dmi butt my 5500 dodge has a plate with a pintle like that too. seen a few (alot) receiver hitchs get beat to death with farm wagons worked at a international truck dealer for some time seen 2'in hitchs bolted to the bottom flange on some trucks (grain trucks) automatic dot fail. Not oem holes on commercial trucks. Yes i know dump truck hitch plates are welded on i welded some on oh the fun. Now these are 22,000lb trucks and larger to the sides of the frame on them.different rules larger than a pickup so take that into mind as well. Fyi i live in dairy farm land so seeing chopper boxes getting towed around is not uncommon

[@ghostpepperrides4805]

It scares me that people who don’t know the hitch/receiver they are using still claim to be experts at towing. I hope this helps them. I’ve had these conversations with people and had to get a tape and measure the trucks.

[@jonnyg6001]

If that thumbnail was your truck, and if that diff cover is not from banks or ford, then you are doing more damage then good. Banks proves that all aftermarket diff covers are garbage. Keep it up JD

[@timrellis90]

Won’t the new design weaken the shear strength of the pin being that the hole is slotted and not a matched size hole? Not sure if it would be enough to matter but just a thought.

[@andrewmarks6168]

My 2021 RAM 3500 SRW has a 2.5" receiver.

[@JHulce]

IMO/IME anything over 10k pounds and I'd much prefer to tow that on a gooseneck setup. my 2004 f250 fx4 had a 2" 12k rated receiver, it handled over 16k without any issues.

[@dprentice22]

My 17 F350 DRW came with 2 reducers

[@ericmackison9517]

GM didn't use a 2-1/2" receiver until 2011. It's possible someone has an aftermarket receiver that's larger than factory I guess.

[@paulanderson9825]

My 2007 3/4 ton has a 2-1/2" receiver.

[@giorgiogroves]

I hope my wife never finds this video.

[@tollav]

Just use a reducer if you have a smaller...... Hitch. I know a guy who makes one with magnets and it takes all the slop ot of the connection. I think he has a KZbin channel?

[@jasonlarsen3515]

Those are all 8 inches

[@noneya61]

Length over girth.

[@StoneysWorkshop]

🎉

[@deltabravo1257]

People will still try to claim their GM truck has a 3" receiver! LOL.

[@Hundert1]

What's your opinion of the AirSafe bladder hitch? Have you ever used it? Thanks ❤

[@jesseweaver1014]

I’m crazy I bought the 3 inch hitch from b&w because I dislike the adapters of any size.

[@gary4025]

I don't have to measure the receiver on my Chevy 3500hd because I know it's a 2.5"

[@Tierarzt77]

While I'm all in favor of "size matters", I think you need to stress "look at the actual RATING of your Receiver and Insert"! People do some crazy stuff with a Class III, 2" receiver! Not to mention the "I can pull/tow that... arguments so prevalent in the Internet"

[@BigBirdNest]

Just fun and games here JD… but is this where I say my Honda civic has a 3” receiver lol 😂 love your videos, keep up the great content 🇨🇦

[@Bored2Deaf]

Yup ford only, I ordered a 2.5 BW for my 22 HO Cummings and they sent a 3" by mistake. Before I even took it out the box I could see that it was way to big. I don't know what the hell ford is trying to pull but God damn 😅

[@JohnDiMartino]

3 inch receiver is not even the benefit. It’s just one more adapter you need. The hitch itself is not beefier.

[@jeffmccall469]

When's the 3" reducer going to be available?

[@brogan56]

They are available now. I have a '22 F-350 with the 3" receiver and ordered a nesting set all the way down to 2".

[@jeffmccall469]

@@brogan56 Thanks! I'll check again, did not find them yesterday... could easily be operator error

[@Warm_Pepsi]

2025 - 1 ton SRW Silverado is 2.5"... and the hitch is rated at more than the truck can tow... so no need for a 3". If you're towing 20k on a "bumper" hitch... i'm gonna ask WHY??? You're normally pulling a gooseneck or a fifth wheel. That being said, I like the channel, but why was it 5 minutes into the video before I even had any idea what question you were posing? 😄 just askin.

[@scorpy2643]

Those guys that don’t know the size of their receiver have never towed with their mall crawlers.

[@henrycarlson7514]

Interesting , Thank You

[@1Transporter]

…… I think you need to state just ONE more time that our trucks don’t have a 3” receiver. ( just so the folks in the back hear it )

[@MatthewSerta1]

My 22 ford f350 DRW with the 4.10 axle ratio had a 3” but my 24 f350 DRW with 3.55 axle ratio has a 2.5”. Learned after the fact that the size is determined entirely off of that axle ratio. But 3.55 is way better for daily use. Solid trade.

[@jnk26]

My 2019 F350 CCLB 6.7 was a 3" the 2022 F250 CCSB w/HCTP package(basically a derated F350) was a 3". If you had a Gas motor you only got the 2.5 on everything g except the CCLB and the CC with diesel motors.

[@MatthewSerta1]

⁠@@jnk26my 24 is a high output 6.7 and still only 2.5. I don’t like reducers so I had bought a 3” shank so I had to go rebuy a 2.5.

[@jnk26]

@MatthewSerta1 what is your cab/bed configuration? If you have a short bed, the only way to get it is the max towing package and the heavier rear axle, or a Crew cab long bed or a DRW

[@MatthewSerta1]

@ crew cab long bed on both. Both 6.7 diesels but the newer one is high output. Only main difference was those axle ratios. Both trucks are Limited trims. If I remember correctly the only thing I had optional as far as towing/hauling was the camper package. Which neither had. Both DRW

[@robertharman4938]

2017 f250 with HCTP. 3 inch recover and 3.31 gears

[@kurtmcmichael2045]

I still don’t know why my 2017 ford f350 srw has a 2.5 ( platinum 4x4) and my sons 2017 lariat (4x4) srw has a 3” 🤔. Both 6.75 foot beds both diesel

[@amop33]

My shank is bigger than yours. 😂

[@EvrydyJay]

My Titan XD Cummins has a 2 inch receiver.

[@lowblues]

Why is it so hard to believe that Ford puts 3” receivers on HD trucks and GM & Ram use 2.5?

[@blackout7615]

Well im going outside tonight to do some cutting and welding. Im gonna have a 5" hitch. Just the same as my coffee can exhaust tip. Because im gay.

[@suzannewise8045]

My 2017 Ford F350 came with a 3” receiver and the reducers for 2.5” and 2”.

[@6.7bigfoot]

@@suzannewise8045 Same, I have a ‘17 F350 DRW. Is yours DRW?

[@suzannewise8045]

@ No. SRW

[@robertharman4938]

As did my 250 with the HCTP option.

[@josephkellogg2177]

Those who claim their truck is 3 inch probably before they bought the truck someone else probably put a aftermarket receiver that made it a 3 inch but I don’t know

[@herculesinwyoming]

My 2016 ram.2500 came brand new with 3 inch receiver.

[@josephkellogg2177]

Did you measure

[@josephkellogg2177]

@@herculesinwyoming it’s a class 5 on the ram on that year which is a 2 1/2 inch receiver,

[@STROOPLUMENAUT-m8z]

My 24 duramax has the 3 inch

[@mattb1967mb]

My 2019 2500 Duramax came with a 3"

[@BTBRVReviews]

Not from the factory

[@mattb1967mb]

​@BTBRVReviews yes it did.. came with a 2.5 adapter and a 2.0 adapter. If I still owned it I would take a picture of it. It was a Southern Coach Edition.

[@AlHutchings]

I was wrong....Ram 2016 3500 2 1/2" not 3".

[@BTBRVReviews]

No worries .5" can't easily be mistakable.

[@HowardTowe]

Ummmm you have to many reasons to not use one with a magnetic attachment

[@Itsa_Mea]

Poor design with the magnet placement. I would of put them on the side . Magnets that strong, they will hold fine on the side. Then you wouldn't have the magnets breaking.

[@bobbrinkerhoff3592]

There is a better fix for that problem , simply move the magnet that is near the flange farther from the flange , an inch should be enough to cure the problem . Putting the magnets on the side further weakens a wall that already has a hole in it for the hitch pin .

[@Itsa_Mea]

@bobbrinkerhoff3592 tongue weight is far greater than any supporting sides see, so your point further supports that the magnets should be on the side of the adapter since the sides are not supporting nearly any weight in comparison to top/bottom. Thanks! Magnets definitely need to be on the side. Makes so much more sense.

[@bobbrinkerhoff3592]

@Itsa_Mea so turn the adapter so that the magnets are on top , no weight on them now .

[@Itsa_Mea]

@bobbrinkerhoff3592 think again. Then the back magnet sees the weight. Look, people have had the magnets shatter due to the placement. If they're on the side, not nearly the stress or debris to shatter the brittle magnets.

[@bobbrinkerhoff3592]

@Itsa_Mea did you not listen , the magnets are recessed , the only reason the outer magnet gets damaged is because the end of the receiver can cut into the adapter . If the adapter is bottoming out in the receiver , which is highly unlikely , simply trim off the leading edge . Most likely it's operator error , by not making sure that the adapter is fully seated into the receiver .

[@bparkinson1234]

Do not buy the adapter with magnets. They will shatter and pieces jam the adapter. Happened to me twice on the one from etrailer. Do not buy.

[@BTBRVReviews]

That's why I talked a out it in this video

[@kevingray3713]

My 2021 Ram 1500 has a 2.5 receiver

[@MatthewMello]

aftermarket???